Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 498 18 Aug 2021
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ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Pius IX. 1846-1878. Æ Medal (83mm, 278.8 g, 12h). Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. By Bianchi. Dated 4 December 1854. PIVS IX · PONT · MAX ·, bust left, wearing zucchetto, mozzetta, and mantum / * PIVS · IX · P · M · BASILICAM · PAVLI · APOST · AB INCENDIO · REFECTAM · SOLEMNI · RITV · CONSECRAVIT · IV · ID · DEC · MDCCCLIV, interior view of the basilica. Mazio 731. Brown surfaces, scattered marks. Near EF.
The large format medal is an exceptional example of Papal artistry, and a paragon of sculptural and medallic art. The incuse center of the reverse descends 8mm from the rim, rendering actual space to heighten the perspective. To compensate for the pitfalls of such a high-relief medal, the die is aligned such that the negative space of the reverse corresponds exactly with the high-point of the obverse bust. The reverse is accurate down to the molding and hints at parietal inscriptions, the end of the transept is rendered in sharp, fine detail.
The large format medal is an exceptional example of Papal artistry, and a paragon of sculptural and medallic art. The incuse center of the reverse descends 8mm from the rim, rendering actual space to heighten the perspective. To compensate for the pitfalls of such a high-relief medal, the die is aligned such that the negative space of the reverse corresponds exactly with the high-point of the obverse bust. The reverse is accurate down to the molding and hints at parietal inscriptions, the end of the transept is rendered in sharp, fine detail.